Apple to tighten Mac 'Full Disk Access' controls over AI agent risks
Apple is restricting a longstanding Mac privacy permission after reports that Meta's Muse AI agent may have read private messages, with Apple and Meta differing on whether existing safeguards were adequate.
What happened
Apple said it will introduce new controls tightening macOS's 'Full Disk Access' permission, which can let apps access files, messages, mail and browsing history.145
Apple attributed the change to risks from increasingly capable AI agents, saying such access must require explicit user action.145
The move follows complaints that Meta's Muse AI agent may have accessed users' private messages on Mac.13
Apple and Meta differed over whether existing Full Disk Access safeguards were sufficient to prevent Muse from reading messages.2
What's agreed
Reported consistently by outlets in more than one region.
- Apple said it will add new controls tightening macOS 'Full Disk Access' permissions.1245
- Apple said the changes are a response to risks posed by increasingly capable AI agents.145
- Full Disk Access grants apps a path to potentially sensitive information including files, messages, mail and browsing history.15
- The changes follow complaints that Meta's Muse AI agent may have accessed private messages on Mac.13
- Apple said the new controls are meant to ensure users who want to grant an app this level of access can only do so through explicit user action.14
Where accounts differ
Each account is attributed to who makes it. We do not judge between them.
Whether existing Full Disk Access safeguards were sufficient to prevent Muse from reading messages
How it's framed
What each perspective puts first, based on headlines and summaries.
| Perspective | How it reads | What it puts first |
|---|---|---|
| US tech trade pressNorth America | US outlets focus on the technical mechanics of the policy change, Apple's stated rationale about AI agents, and the Apple-Meta disagreement over whether current safeguards are adequate.245 | AI agents increasing risk, Apple-Meta disagreement, technical permission details |
| Middle East-based privately owned outletMiddle East & Turkey | The National frames the story around user complaints about Meta's Muse accessing private messages as the trigger for Apple's move.1 | user complaints, Meta Muse, privacy protection |
| South Asian privately owned outlet (syndicated coverage)South Asia | The Express Tribune's coverage, a syndicated copy, emphasizes the contrast between iPhone/iPad sandboxing and the more permissive Mac access model.3 | sandboxing versus full disk access, Meta Muse complaints |
What the coverage leaves out
- None of the outlets reviewed detailed the specific technical changes Apple is making to the Full Disk Access permission beyond requiring explicit user action.
- None of the outlets reviewed reported Meta's full response or further comment beyond the dispute over whether safeguards were sufficient.
- None of the outlets reviewed specified a timeline for when the new controls will roll out.
- None of the outlets reviewed detailed what data, if any, Muse was confirmed to have accessed.
Why it matters
Sources (5)
Every outlet we drew on, grouped by where it is based. Read the originals for the full reporting.
North America
- 2Ars TechnicaUSPrivate
Apple changes full-disk access permissions to curb abuse from AI agents
- 4The VergeUSPrivate
Apple will limit Mac disk access as AI agents ‘substantially’ increase risk
- 5TechCrunchUSPrivate
Apple says it’s tightening macOS ‘Full Disk Access’ controls due to new risks from AI agents
Middle East & Turkey
- 1The NationalAEPrivate
Apple to tighten Mac privacy controls against AI agents after Meta Muse complaints
South Asia
- 3The Express TribunePKPrivate
Apple says it will flag AI requests for Mac data after Meta's Muse draws complaints